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A quick, family-friendly pasta dish with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and adaptable meal for any night.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226g) penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including the juices
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz penne and cook until al dente according to package directions; drain and keep warm.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add 1 pound bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  5. Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juices and simmer about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Add 3 cups fresh spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until just wilted.
  7. Add the drained penne to the skillet and toss to coat with the tomato and spinach mixture.
  8. Sprinkle ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan over the pasta and stir until it melts into the sauce.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if desired.
  10. Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve with garlic bread or a green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette., Add extra Parmesan cheese for a richer finish., A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten flavors., Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top for crunch., Use fresh spinach and good-quality canned tomatoes for best results., Customize with additional herbs like fresh thyme or parsley., Adjust spiciness by modifying red pepper flakes amount.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Approximately 520 calories per serving
  • Fat: About 16 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: About 45 grams per serving
  • Protein: About 40 grams per serving